A team headed by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co. (LMSSC) has received a $5.7 M contract from DARPA to compete in Phase 1 development of its System F6 space technology and demonstration program. F6 is shorthand for “Future, Fast, Flexible, Fractionated, Free-Flying Spacecraft United by Information Exchange.”

The DARPA System F6 program intends to demonstrate that a traditional, large, monolithic satellite can be replaced by a group of smaller, individually launched, wirelessly networked and cluster-flown spacecraft modules. Each “fractionated” module can contribute a unique capability to the rest of the network, such as computing, ground communications, or payload functionality. The ultimate goal of the program is to launch a fractionated spacecraft system and demonstrate it in orbit in approximately four years.

The Lockheed Martin effort comprises a multi-disciplinary team of leaders for all System F6 technology pillars. The ATC delivers advanced research in space system network architectures and control for fractionation. The LMSSC Surveillance & Navigation Systems (SNS) line of business delivers experience in mission partner concepts and fielding SmallSats for proximity operations. Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Services (IS&GS) delivers ground systems. Other teammates include Colbaugh & Heinsheimer (supported by several Stanford University professors), Aurora Flight Sciences (supported by several MIT professors) and Vanderbilt University.